The myriad details of Cody and Faith’s wedding were Kendra’s salvation. Faith had begged for a simple ceremony down by Wild Creek. Kendra understood the impulse. Both Cody and Faith had trekked around the West the previous summer taking videos of unspoiled vistas.

A ceremony down by the creek was appropriate, but it was far from simple. The guest list had been trimmed to forty but those forty folks still needed a place to sit. White wooden folding chairs had been rented, but nothing could be arranged until a couple of hours before the ceremony.

Even then a herd of deer or worse yet, elk, could romp through the area if it was left unattended. Kendra had nightmares of smashed chairs and trampled flowers. But she couldn’t say no to Faith and Cody, whose image of the perfect wedding came straight from the heart.

She’d balked at staging the rehearsal out by the creek, though. Instead they’d held it last night in the front yard of the ranch house, followed by a rehearsal dinner around the fire pit.

Today, at wedding march time minus ninety minutes, the men were setting up the venue creek-side. They’d been blessed with good weather.

The wedding party of ten was large considering the small guest list, but Cody couldn’t imagine getting married without all four brothers standing up there with him. He’d agonized over who to choose as his best man and had ended up giving all of them that designation.

Faith and her attendants were holed up in Faith and Cody’s A-frame with Nicole supervising hair and makeup and Mandy helping everyone into the dresses she’d created. No doubt April had diffusers with an orange blossom scent going full blast and Olivia would be feeding everyone chocolate chip cookies.

Kendra was delighted they were up there and not in her house. She loved them all, but for sheer efficiency, she couldn’t beat the Whine and Cheese Club. The reception would be around the fire pit, too, and without the help of her girlfriends, who’d been organizing parties for decades, she would never have managed both the rehearsal dinner and the reception.

The past few days had been wild, but she’d welcomed the chaos. Every minute spent dealing with wedding issues was a minute not obsessing over Quinn. Whenever she took a break from her duties, her traitorous brain switched to the Quinn channel and her equally traitorous heart followed.

Not much chance of that happening today, though. After she and her girlfriends were satisfied that the food was under control, they used her bedroom to change clothes. They’d no sooner returned to the living room than Abigail and Ingrid arrived with the wedding cake in a tall white box.

“It goes on the dining table,” Kendra said. “But can we wait to take it out of the box until after the wedding? Faith is all about the big reveal.”

“Except I’m dying of curiosity.” Deidre walked over to the table.

“Faith already told me she wanted to keep it hidden until the reception. But she won’t mind if I show you guys,” Abigail said. “Wait’ll you see how this box works. Trevor designed it for me and it’s freaking amazing.”

“Trevor?” Kendra hadn’t heard about this. “But he’s a carpenter.”

“And this box is made of wood. That’s why it takes both of us to carry it. It’s heavier than cardboard but I can use it over and over.”

“What a clever idea.” Jo peered at the box as Abigail and Ingrid slid it carefully onto the table.

“The sides are tongue and groove. I can slide one up so you can see the cake and put it back down so the cake’s hidden. When the time comes, I can remove all four sides, stow them and the top piece in my SUV, and the bottom of the box stays put until the cake’s gone.”

“That’s brilliant,” Kendra said. “How did Trev end up making you a cake box?”

“He came in the other day and we got to talking about the whole transporting nightmare and keeping the cake a secret.” Abigail took off the top. “Next thing I know, he’s back with this box. Because it’s heavier than cardboard, it’s less likely to slide or tip on the drive to the venue.” She lifted one side to reveal the cake. “Ta-da!”

“Wow!” Kendra moved closer to examine the cake. “Great job! Faith and Cody will love this.” Abigail had frosted the tiers alternating dark chocolate and milk chocolate. The milk chocolate tiers looked like tooled leather belts with silver buckles.

“If I didn’t know better, I’d swear those belts were real.” Deidre gazed admiringly at the cake. “I’d almost be willing to make a trip down the aisle just so I could have one of these.”

“Calm yourself,” Jo said. “If that’s all you want out of the deal, we’ll get Abigail to make you one.”

“Which I absolutely would. You don’t have to get married to order this cake.”

Ingrid glanced around. “What did we do with the cake topper?”

“I left it in the car. Be right back.”

Kendra stepped away so Christine and Judy could get a better view. As everyone continued to exclaim over the artistry of the cake, Ingrid moved closer to Kendra and lowered her voice. “I’m sorry.”

“About what?”

“Quinn.”

“Oh.” She shrugged and managed to keep a smile on her face. “It wasn’t meant to be.”

Ingrid looked as if she might say something more, but Abigail returned with the topper, which kicked off another round of oohs and ahhs. The miniature scene depicted a bride leaning down from her horse to kiss her cowboy groom. Perfect choice for Faith and Cody.

“Uh-oh,” Deidre said. “I hear the guys coming back. Better close up that sucker.”

The cake was covered and the topper put away before the men arrived. Everyone except Luke headed back to the boys’ old bedrooms to change.

Luke came over and gave Abigail a quick kiss. “You look terrific. How did Trevor’s box work out?”

“Perfect.”

“And the cake?”

Kendra answered for her. “She did an amazing job.”

“Can’t wait to see it. My folks and my sis should be here any minute. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” He hurried through the living room and down the hall where jokes and laughter were causing quite a ruckus.

Judy rolled her eyes. “Just like days of old.”

“Yeah.” Kendra smiled. “Music to my ears.”

Shortly after that, Luke’s family showed up. Luke’s dad Warren was clearly in party mode. He was the funniest minister Kendra had ever met, but underneath all the kidding, he was very serious about the sanctity of a marriage. He’d had several meetings with Faith and Cody in the run-up to the wedding.

Soon Luke and Badger hurried out of a back bedroom putting on their Western-cut jackets on the way. They’d volunteered to escort guests to the venue.

“Would you look at that.” Virginia, Luke’s mom, clasped her hands together. “My son and my future son-in-law dressed for a wedding. If only they—”

“Mom.” Hayley gave her mother a warning glance.

Kendra ducked her head to cover a smile. Everyone in town knew Virginia dreamed of Hayley and Abigail marrying Badger and Luke in a double ceremony, but neither couple was in a hurry to tie the knot.

Warren cleared his throat. “She was going to say if only they’d remembered to polish their boots.”

“Of course I was, Warren, darling.”

Badger glanced down at his boots. “I would purely love to do it to please you, ma’am, but there’s no point to it. They’ll only be gettin’ dusty again when we walk y’all down to the creek. Who’s ready to go?”

Everyone was eager to see the setup. The guys took them in groups of four while Kendra remained at the house to greet new arrivals. She’d be the last person escorted down there and Badger had requested the honor of taking her. What a sweetie.

When the last of the guests were on their way to the creek, Kendra walked out on the porch. Ryker, Zane, Trevor and Badger had gathered in the front yard with Cody. Bryce had gone to the venue earlier since he was playing guitar, both as the guests arrived and during the processional.

Cody spotted her on the porch and climbed the steps to give her a kiss on the cheek. “What a great day, huh?”

Her throat tightened with love. “It’s a spectacular day.”

“I love you, Mom.”

Fierce pride gripped her as she gazed up at her handsome son. Her baby. Her baby no more. “I love you, too, Cody.”

“Hey, bridegroom!” Ryker called from the yard. “Time to get hitched, bro!”

“Can’t wait!” He smiled and squeezed her shoulder before clattering down the steps to rejoin his brothers. They joked around with each other as they started down the path.

Badger turned and came up to the porch. “Ready, pretty lady?”

“I’m ready.”

“Then let’s get ’er done.” He tucked her hand inside the crook of his arm as they started down the dirt path. “How’re you holdin’ up?”

She glanced at him and smiled. “I’m excited for Cody and Faith.”

“Me, too.” He gave her hand a squeeze. “They’re gonna do great together.”

“They are.”

The faint chords of Bryce’s guitar mingled with the chirp of birds in the pines. The music became more distinct with each step down the path. Nicole would join Bryce for a number during the ceremony. Faith and Cody hadn’t wanted any other music.

Until now, Kendra had maintained an even keel. But the mellow thrum of Bryce’s guitar was an emotional trigger. Better make conversation. “Are you working on your scratchboard project?” Yikes, but not about that.

“Yes, ma’am. But we don’t have to talk about it if you’d rather not.”

“No, no, I want to talk about it.” Too late to turn back, now. “I think it’s wonderful that you’re branching out into something new. What’re you starting with?”

“A portrait of that pup Delilah. One of these days Luke and Abigail will get hitched, and when they do, I’m givin’ them something I didn’t buy in a store.”

“Great idea. I guess Virginia’s still on her kick.”

“You know, I’d be all for a double weddin’. But Hayley thinks we’re not quite ready for that step. Luke and Abigail are still tryin’ to figure out their livin’ arrangement, so they’re not ready, either. That said, it would be fun.”

“It would.” The sound of Bryce’s guitar filled the air and she glimpsed the flash of white chairs through the trees. Then they stepped into the open. Oh, my. She gulped. Too beautiful for words.

The guys had put up a white lattice arch near the bank of the creek and decorated it with bright spring flowers. Sunlight flashed on the rippling water of the creek behind it, which added its music to Bryce’s smooth melody. The guests had all dressed in festive colors that were perfectly framed by the white chairs.

And then…her boys. The joking had stopped and her strong, handsome sons stood with shoulders back and pride in every line of their bodies. She was the luckiest woman in the world.

“Like it?” Badger’s deep voice was just what she needed to keep her from dissolving into a puddle of emotional goo.

“Love it.” She took her seat in the front beside Jo. Deidre was in the next chair, with a vacant one reserved for Jim after he walked Faith down the aisle. Judy and Christine plus their husbands completed the row. Every one of them except Jim had known Cody since he was a baby.

Jo took her hand and held it tight as Bryce launched into the processional and the first bridesmaid started down the aisle closest to Kendra.

Once again, Mandy had outdone herself. For her fall wedding, she’d used autumn colors. For Faith’s, she’d drawn from the pinks, blues, and yellows of the season. As she, Olivia, Nicole and April stood in all their ethereal beauty beside the flowered arch, Kendra counted her blessings. She’d given birth to sons, but now she had daughters, too.

At the back of the clearing, a horse nickered and Bryce launched into the wedding march. Everyone stood and turned as Jim led Faith in riding Ernie, who was wearing the saddle Faith had requested in place of a diamond engagement ring. Ernie’s mane and tail were woven with more pink, blue and yellow ribbons than Kendra had ever seen on one horse.

Faith’s gauzy, hopelessly romantic dress made her look like a wood nymph, especially with the crown of flowers she wore in place of a veil.

Walking over to Ernie, Cody embraced Jim. Then he reached up, lifted Faith from the saddle as if she were made of glass, and gently set her on her feet. Luke stepped in and led Ernie to the back of the clearing as Jim took his seat.

Warren smiled at the couple standing in front of him holding hands. The warmth of that smile said so much about the man. He clearly loved his job.

His gaze moved to the assembled guests. “I can’t think of a more fitting place for these two beautiful souls to be united than under a Montana sky, surrounded by sunlight, rippling water and a gentle breeze.”

Kendra gave up the fight. Tears dribbled down her cheeks as Warren continued, weaving in the traditional words of the ceremony with additions he, Faith and Cody had chosen during their sessions together.

Next to her, Jo sniffed. Then Deidre started. By the end of the ceremony, as Cody reverently kissed Faith, the women in the front row were a drippy mess. Jo came through with tissues for Kendra, herself and Deidre. Jim had to make use of his handkerchief for his own watering eyes.

And it was done. Everyone stood and applauded as Luke brought Ernie back down the aisle. Cody lifted Faith onto the saddle and swung up behind her. Turning the horse, he kicked Ernie into a trot. Once they cleared the chairs, Cody whipped off his hat, let out a whoop and the two of them cantered off as the guests cheered.

The groomsmen offered their arms to their respective sweethearts, waited for the dust to settle, and followed.

Jo glanced at Kendra, grinned and crooked her arm. “Let’s go open us some wine, Gramma Ken.”

“It’ll be my pleasure, Gramma Jo.” Arm in arm with her best friend, she marched down the path as they rehashed every minute of the ceremony.

“Two down, three to go,” Jo said as they neared the house.

“That’s only counting my biologic sons. I’m also excited about getting Badger, Luke and Michael married off. That’s six more weddings we can look forward—” She stopped walking and stared at the parking area. “Jo.”

Jo’s arm tightened. “I see him.”

“What the hell? Why would he…”

“Only one way to find out. Go ahead. Do your thing. I’ll organize the troops.”

Kendra’s heart was beating way too fast. She was lightheaded, disoriented, unsure that she could make it all the way to the parking area. As she started toward it, Quinn came to meet her.

Out of breath, she stopped and waited, her hand to her chest. Had something terrible happened? Roxanne and Michael were here at the wedding. They were fine. Maybe Wes or Pete? But Quinn wouldn’t come here if something was wrong with one of them.

His long strides brought him within three feet of her before he stopped, chest heaving, his gaze intense. “God, you look great.”

“Th-thanks. Why are you—”

“I’m crashing the wedding party.” He sucked in air. “I apologize for that. I just couldn’t wait.”

“For what?”

“I’ve…made a decision.” He swallowed. “It concerns you.”

“How?”

“I’m moving.”

Her ears buzzed. “Where?”

“Here.”

“To the ranch?”

“No, to Eagles Nest. I’ve put in an offer on the place across the road.”

“You’ve…” She was so confused. “I don’t…why would you…”

His smile was gentle. “Because I love you. Because it’s no good me living up there and you living down here. One of us had to tackle that problem and so I will. I’m not asking to be your husband or your live-in lover. I just want to be…your neighbor. Your favorite neighbor.”

She gasped for breath. “Can you do that?”

“I don’t know, but I’ll try my damnedest not to be a pest. You’ve made it clear you don’t want your life to change, so I’ll—”

“I mean can you move? What about your ranch?”

“As of today, it’s up for sale.”

“Quinn! You put your life’s blood into that ranch. You can’t just—”

“I can when it’s the ranch or you. I choose you.”

“Oh, my God.” She put a trembling hand to her mouth. “You’re serious.”

“Dead serious.” He came closer. “I can’t live without you.”

“I can’t believe this.”

He frowned. “Does that mean you don’t like the idea?”

“No, I love the idea, I just can’t—”

“That’s all I need to hear.” Swooping in, he took off his hat, wrapped her in his arms and captured her mouth.

That kiss was all it took. That wonderful, achingly familiar kiss. This was real. This was happening. She hadn’t lost him forever. She hadn’t lost him at all.

He lifted his head. “I know I can’t keep this up. You have—”

“Gramma Jo’s handling it. Kiss me some more.”

“Gramma Jo? Is Mandy pregnant?”

“Don’t know. But I do know one thing for sure.”

“What’s that?”

“I love you, Quinn Sawyer.”

“So you said a week ago.” He held her gaze. “You changed my life, sexy lady. And it’s never changing back.”

“I sure hope not, because you’re going to make a fabulous neighbor.” And she pulled him down for another kiss.

He was right. They couldn’t keep doing this. But after the reception, after everyone had gone home, they could do this all night long.